Healing Wise

Susun's Teaching Style and Correspondence Courses

Q: Since I sent in my precious $100, I've been reading on the website and discovered the "Why is Susun angry?" essay. Could I ask you if I should expect her to yell at me on the phone if and when I call her? I need to be prepared to handle it.

**I also have another question. I already own HEALING WISE and I see it is part of the course. Would it be possible for me to substitute another book instead of getting a second copy? Thank you.**

Anxiously excited to start.

A: Greetings from the Wise Woman Center!

We welcome you as an ABC of Herbalism correspondence course student. Susun will be sending a welcome package, complete with a project booklet and more, very soon. Thank you for the extra payment too. :)

We see that you have signed up for the payment plan. Since we are not able to do the automatic deductions with paypal payments, you have the option of making your payments using the supplement payment option online or by mailing a check to Susun Weed at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498. You can choose which option you desire each month, and do not need to let us know which it will be :) If you let us know, we can send a payment reminder through paypal to help keep our postal mailing records straight.

It is up to Susun to decide if you can substitute.

I can not promise she will never yell. Susun is very direct. Those who come for apprenticeship ask for the level of growth that requires more confrontation. For those not wishing it she suggests one day classes, or correspondence course. So I doubt there is much to be concerned about. More likely you will find your interactions with her enjoyable. Just as she is direct and passionate, this works towards her joyous passions. I suppose in life it is good to be prepared for anything though.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Mammograms: Choices and Effects

Q: Hello,

My thermographer referred me to your website.

Since the labs where I live in NJ will only take a mammo although I am only interested in a sonogram, she suggested your website to proactively do something to reduce the radiations's effects.

I would sincerely appreciate any recommendations or referrals you might give me.

Thanks so much.

A: Hello, if you decide to have the mammogram, here are two articles from Susun that offer suggestions to help you deal with the damaging effects:

If You Decide to Have a Mammogram, and Surviving Radiation the Wise Woman Way.

If there is anything in there I can explain further, please let me know.  It is your body; I encourage you to give it the best care.  I know you know whatever that is for you right now!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Apprenticeship Time Limits and Work Exchange

Q: Dear Susun,

Last year I visited your farm, interested in a shamanic apprenticeship.  However at that moment I was not in the space for such an intence experience because of what I was coming out of and finances were not on my side.  Yet this past year I have still been thinking about your farm and the possibilities that could blossom there.  I have spent the past year seeking out woman who could teach me about the energy that I know is out there for woman but that I wasn't told about.  I have been seeking woman who could teach me the world of plants.  Yet now I am looking for something more intense.  I want to be utterly immersed, swamped, overwhelmed.  At the moment I am living on a farm in Costa Rica but plan to return to the states at the end of MArch or April.  I was wondering if you would tell me more about the shamanic apprenticeship. Is it only for woman and devoted to the study of womanhood?  What kind of work would happen.  gardening?  I like to work hard and learn hard and play hard.  As far as work study, how much could I work off in 13 weeks?  Could I pay as I go because finances are always hard at this point on my life.  Does this apprenticeship have a schedule or do you read your students and take it from there.  How many students are usually living with you?  Is there anyone I could talk to about thier experience?  I could rattle off questions cause I get excited but I guess I will wait for a reply.  So then, I will wait.  and I hope you reply, thanks.

A: Hello, thank you for writing with your interest to study with Susun through apprenticeship.  I think you will find most of your questions answered here. You sound like you are in a prime place for this intense apprenticeship Susun offers...   

Please let me know if I can answer further questions.  Or if once reading you have more questions you wish Susun to answer, you can write her at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: hello, thank you for replying to my email.  I have some questions that the internet site does not answer so I thought i would try to call susun today, wednesday.  the phone is busy and I actually am in Costa Rica so that using phone is quite expensive.  So i was wondering if there was another way I could contact her with my questions? Or maybe you can help?   So here I go.  How much work exchange can a shamanic apprentice do?   Does the price of staying decline with more time at the farm?  Can i pay in weekly increments depending on how long I can stay for because of how much money i have?  Do i need a car?  Is there a maximum stay on the farm?  What are the differences between the simple and samanic apprenticeship.  Those are all the questions I had wrote down.  Yet I would love to contact Susun but don´t know how.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks.

A: Hi, I understand about the distance and phoning.  You can contact Susun by postal mail at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498, USA.  When you do be sure to include your postal address and phone contact info in the letter so she can reply.

I do not believe you need a car, nor is there a maximum amount of time to stay.  It depends on the person and the moment with Susun, what is the appropriate amount of time to stay.  She rarely has apprentices through the winter. 

The difference between the two apprenticeships is the amount of minimum stay required and the intensity of the experience.  More of your presence and your work is required at the Shamanic apprenticeship:

Shamanic herbal apprentices engage their muscles, their psyches, and their deepest Selves. With Susun's help, they melt themselves down so they may engage greater truth and deeper wisdom. But melting and changing is not always comfortable or graceful, from the inside or the outside. Both shamanic herbal and simple herbal apprentices will encounter intense emotions. These experiences are an important part of your apprenticeship in the Wise Woman Tradition.

Fees must be paid before you arrive.  If you and Susun decide you stay longer than originally paid and agreed, then you both will work out payment at that time.  The fee does not change, but the amount of work exchange available to you, to offset the cost, may.

Please do write her for further clarity, expressing what you would like, so she can work with you.  And as always feel free to write me with any questions!

lots of love,
Karen Joy

 

Balsam Leaf Salve and Root Tincture

Q: Hello,

could you tell me please if i can make a tincture to take in from balsam root, i just got the flower and i did dry them ,i understand that natives eat the roots but what about the flower ? or shold i try to make a salve ? is that good for bruises to apply on the skin like arnica ?

thanks a million and god bless

A: I understand Balsam Root as Balsamorhiza sagittata.  Before you use this as medicine please be sure this is the plant you have.  Too often there is more than one, completely unrelated, plant with the same common name. 

If this is the plant you are speaking of, I understand the leaves and roots to be used.  The leaves harvested spring to midsummer and dried then used as a poultice or, yes, prepared as a salve.  And the roots, preferably dug in spring, used fresh or dried as a tincture or decoction at times.  The poultice or salve of the leaves can be wonderful for skin ailments, though I am not sure of its use for bruises.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Serious Sweet Tooth

Q: Dear Karen

I receive my books today.  I am so excited I can't wait to start reading.  I was also happy and surprise that Susun sign all the books in my favorite color purple.  Thanks a bunch! oh one more thing I have a serious sweet tooth and I have to stop craving bad sugar. Any suggestions? Thanks again.

Many Blessings

A: Hello!  So wonderful... I will let Susun know you are pleased.

It is my feeling that all our cravings have a wonderful healthy source. Cravings for sweet are very basic and very healthy in my opinion.  I have found two sources of these.  For some it is from a need for protein.  For others a craving for sweet is a very basic craving for life and/or comfort.  Our first food is sweet, milk, as are our next, usually grains.  Of course in the face of so many refined sugars these no longer seem sweet to us.  Regardless I think our craving for sweet is our need for the nutrition that grains can provide.

With any craving, there can always be mental/emotional aspects to explore. In addition though I believe all cravings are directly connected with our innate wisdom and connection with our deep needs.  The trick I suppose is to find how to connect the craving with the food, or other thing, that satisfies it truly.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

The Vagina- Part 1 and 2

Q: Hello,
Your new article "The Vagina - part 2" was excellent.

I then went searching for "The Vagina - part 1" on your website, and my skills did not permit me success in that search. Can you please help me with this?

Thanks so much,

p.s. the White Pine article is excellent and opening.... now out to chew
some White Pine!

A: Hello, here is the link to the first part of that article, from the issue the month before. We are so glad you are enjoying Susun's writing, and will pass that on to her!

I love munching on white pine needles this time of year, especially when coated with ice, right off the tree :)

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Learning About Healing

Dear Susun,

Hello. I am a divorced woman and I have five of the most precious gifts anyone could ask for!!! My children. I am going to be very honest with you about who I am.

#1…A woman very dedicated to children.

#2…A healer of unknown talents.

#3…A heart that is wide open.

#4…and a woman that feels out of place here in my family.

I have made many a journey in nature to speak with…Life…. I heard or felt those who chose to respond to my presence. I have witnessed many beautiful happenings and also was shown the sorrow of Mother Earth.  I am at a place where I left my husband and in so doing, had to leave my four boys with their father and my daughter with my mother. I am considered homeless. I do not feel that way because of the connection I found within myself. I feel like I am a fire that keeps getting doused. I knew that the finer parts of me would die if I stayed in the marriage. I did not know that I would rouse my family into thinking that I am way out there and need help. I know what I experienced and it has been difficult keeping that knowing in my being when I am confronted daily with others that really do not know the Love of the Earth personally.  I feel like crying because I miss my kids so much but I know that the ball started and I have to move with the movement.  My heart sounds so great toward the natural healings that my path is split in two. On one side I would die to self to live again with my children and their father. On the other side I feel like the blood of the “people” is on my hands because I am not being the healer Mother Nature knows I am. I know that I have struggled because of the lack of examples that come from the human. I do know that I need to be an example to those that come after me of a Human Being living here on Earth. The bottom line is that I would cherish an opportunity to learn your sacred way. My dream is so huge that it is difficult to express. I gladly let my dreams pass to others so that the dream doesn’t have to wait on me. I want to live in a way that is very connected to the Earth and I found your website. I am unable to find a place to make money because my natural healing gift is calling from deep within and the normal workplace is so hard for me to be in. I am writing to you because I feel I have to try to make connections for my spirit to survive this space here in Kansas…Please, if you are able, let me know if there is a way to be in your sacred area and bring back into practice what I’ve learned to Kansas.

My thanks to you, for being on the Internet, at a time when who and what you are spoke volumes to my heart.

Thank you for writing.  I know you write this to Susun.  She does not have internet  to be able to correspond through email.  If you wish please do write her a letter at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY  12498.  It is her daughter, with the help of a few of us, and Susun's financial support that allows us to share what we do online.  I hear you wish to learn more from Susun.  There is an abundance to learn online through our many websites, and I am happy to help you find whatever you are searching for within them.  Also through most libraries you can get her books to read.  I recommend you start with Healing Wise, though any would be of benefit.  What else could I help with?  I hear your passion and your needs.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Apprenticing with Children

Hello!

I am looking to apprentice with someone but I have two little girls.

Are there places that you know of where one can have their children? Thank you for your time.

This is a great question, as I imagine apprenticeship with your girls could be a great benefit to the girls!!

Susun's live-in apprentice program is intense, so it would not leave time for the caring of your girls, since you are asked to focus deeply on yourself.  However you CAN study with her through correspondence course and take her one-day classes with your girls along if you feel they are able to focus.  You can also do her live-out apprentice program if you are able to be away from your girls one weekend a month.

I intend to open up my space for live in apprenticeship for families, though will not be ready until next summer likely, so I am sure places do exist :)

Blessings,

Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

ABC of Herbal Medicine from Budapest?

Dear Susun,

I'm very interested in taking the ABC Herbal Medicine Correspondance Course. I used to live in Seattle, and have taken a course with you and with Sally and Eaglesong at Ravencroft.

Currently, I live in Budapest, Hungary, and I will be moving to the island of Hvar, Croatia in January of next year. Is it possible that I can still take the course? I wondered how much information you had about herbs in Eastern-Central Europe. I've already found nettle (my herbal ally), elderberry, plantain and of course, dandelion in the Budapest area -- and that's without really trying too hard. I've also located an organic herb farm on Hungarian-Croat border that looks like a promising source for herbs.

Anyways, let me know. If so, I'll sign up for the course right away, I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable with working in foreign terrain.

Susun has correspondence course students all over the world and will be thrilled to work with you!!  Thank you for checking first to be sure :)  She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email, but will send a course packet out to your right away upon your registration.  Know you can register online, as well as through postal mail.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Poke for arthritic pain

To whom It May Concern:

Please be advised tha I have arthritis in right knee and right hip.  The pain is very severe.  I have tried most everything and it has not helped.  Please Email me if you hove or know some type of herb treatment or advice.    Also, I want to buy some powdered golden seal? Do you sell it?

Thanks

Hello, thank you for writing.  One thing I have heard for arthritic pain is Poke:

In Appalachian folk medicine, the berries are swallowed as a treatment for arthritis and for immune stimulation -- one berry (either fresh or dried) is the equivalent of one drop of root tincture.

You might also enjoy this article about ayurveda for arthritis.

We do not sell herbs, but you can see a list of some herbal suppliers here.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com 

Mold in Infused Oil

hello karen
please tell me if i infuse fresh arnica flowers into oil will it not go bad mold? after a while ? should i dry first the arnica ?

please advice
thanks a lot
god bless

Hello
I prefer to infuse the freshly dried Arnica flowers in oil.  Some, like Susun Weed, prefer using fresh plant material only.  I have not experienced fresh flowers (though have not had access to fresh arnica to try this plant) mold, when done correctly.  If you remove the air by stirring with a wooden stick, like a  chopstick, to release air bubbles, be sure to pick the flowers when sun dried, and not wash thereafter, you should be fine.

It is also important the jar and lid be clean and dry, then the oils infuse in cool dark for 6 weeks.  The oil level should be above all plant material, and checked a few days post putting up to be sure to top off if needed.  This is all if you do it with fresh plant material. 

If using dried you may wish to use a heat source, like crockpot, woodstove, or pilot light in oven.  You can read Susun's approach here.

Please let me know if I can help further!  This is a wonderful herb, and what a treasure if you have access to grown Arnica to work with fresh or freshly dried.  I would not harvest in the wild though...

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Hello Karen
i did put the fresh flower of arnica  a month ago in olive oil and everything was good i took the air out as you told me but yesterday when i did want to put it into a container i notice that it had some mold on the top so i took it out and warmed the oil so if any water was still there or moisture from the flower it would  evaporate, what do you think?

I don't want to waste and throw away so i'm planning to do salve or ointment with beeswax and use it. Is that ok?

blessings

was there herb material sticking out the top of the oil?  Was the oil on this or on the top of the oil?  Was it in the inside of the jar or throughout the oil? 

If just the jar I would transfer to a new jar.  If throughout the oil, it is spoiled.  If just on the top, as it sounds, especially if on the plant material, remove the oil and remove the top bit of herb so it is all submerged and it should be fine.

It can be used as is or made into a salve or ointment as you wish.  I would not have heated it though as this may promote more mold. 

How is it doing now?
Karen Joy

Dear karen
the oil looks good,but i have to tranfer again through a coffee filter so i get only the oil and like that i will be able to make the salve (it has some staff at the bottom looks brown like water maybe? i dont know.

anyway i really appreciate your help, by the way can i make some thyme oil infusion now , is full of flower or if too late ? the same with sage is ok now or to late for the season

god bless you
have a great day everyday

once we strain the herbal material out of the oil, it is best to let the oil sit covered for a day, then decant into another bottle leaving the watery residue on the bottom behind.  This keeps water out and allows the oil to stay fresh longer.

I make most of my mint family preparations from the flowering plant, so should be fine :)
Karen Joy

Karen
sorry to bother you but what about the thyme i ask you ?
thanks a lot

no bother at all.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  When I spoke about making mint family preparations when in flower I was referring to you query about sage and thyme, since they are mint family plants :)

love and blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

How to Use Herbs Effectively: Navigating the Terrain of Various Opinions

Q:  Hi,

I just signed up for your newsletter and find it informative.  I have a question that I've wanted to ask.

I've researched various herbs that boost one's immune system like astragalus, olive leaf, medicinal mushrooms, etc.  There are different approaches regarding using/combining these herbs.  Many say it's wise to alternate them.  One article mentioned using olive leaf for 2 weeks, then mushrooms for 2 weeks, then back to olive leaf.  Other articles say just stick to one and take it daily.  Because the body treats herbs, basically, like food, there isn't a need to alternate using different ones.  Some of the mushroom products, like Host Defense by New Chapter, synergistically combines 16 medicinal mushrooms and recommend taking it daily.

What is your objective opinion about this?  Does one's body need a "break" from taking certain herbs?  Does one's body get "use to" a herb making it less effective?  Is it better to alternate different ones or just stick to one daily like other supplements?

Your feedback is appreciated - thanks.

A:  Thank you for writing.  Yes there are varying opinions on this.  From my years of study with Susun Weed, I gather that she does not see a need to take breaks from herbs in general, however have heard her mention the strength of some herbs warrant they be used for weeks or a month, then discontinued for a longer period of time.  Or I have heard her mention the use of an herb or two that is taken only during a particular phase of a woman's cycle.  I have also heard her mention, like when referring to asparagus, the value of paying attention to a food's availability in a season.

I personally find it a variable that needs attention to the person and the herb and the situation.  I do not generally subscribe to the one day or week or so on, then one off.  However I have found for myself similar variations.  I encourage you to gather up the varying opinions, organizing them by the value of the source to you, then experiment for yourself and see what feels right with any herb at any given time.

Please let us know if we can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Lifestyle Challenges: Food Allergies, Depression, Pains

Q:  Hi Susun,

I want to thank you for taking time to read this email and I am in hopes you can help me find an answer to my question. A woman I work with says she has an allergy to celery and of course most folks would say, well...just stay away from celery...which would of course be smart. The thing is, is that she's a cashier for a major grocery store. She was explaining to me that when she handles celery when it comes through her check out stand, her throat begins to close up and she has trouble breathing, expecially with the leafy green part. Might you have any idea of anything she might be able to do to prepare her body ahead of time to counteract the effects of the celery? I was just wondering and would like to be able to help her out. It distresses me just a little to see so many people go running to the doctors office when ever the slightest ill goes on with them. People seem so dependent on Doctors...doctors are God's to these folks.

Too, there's a very nice lady who, though very strong and independent, has depression issues and this last November she went to see the doctor and they put her on about 2 or 3 different kinds of meds for depression and a short time later she began having constant pains in her baby making parts. She's at the right age for the change of life, but I was wondering if the meds might have kick started the trouble in her uterus where it might not been an issue with her at all otherwise? Now they're telling her she's going to have to have her uterus removed and all the while I can't help but wonder if this can be avoided all together.

Any suggestions? I'd appreciate any input you have, thanks so much~



A:  Thank you for writing.  For allergies, I have heard Susun often recommend Nettle leaf infusions to help strengthen the adrenals, and therefore our ability to handle the challenges of life.  Beyond that I would consider options through her employer, changing jobs, and exploring how much of the reaction from handling can be worked with mentally, say through hypnosis.  If at one time we ingest something and have an unexpected adverse, or even scary, reaction to it, it is natural that we respond again that way when seeing the item or handling it, more from the memory of the trauma still held in our body.

For the woman who chose to do those medicines, first please empower her to research and make choices based on knowledge.  She has pain, this in itself does not warrant removal of a part of her body.  Perhaps there are more details to what she has found in regards to her pain that you don't now.  Otherwise, I would consider new doctors.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Herbal First Aid Kit

Q:  Hi Susun:

Thank you for your words. I read you whenever I feel deflated and uninspired as a wise woman.
I am taking my 5 year old girl and I to Asia in February next year. We will be in S-E Asia and hopefully Nepal and India.

I have travelled for years but I have only ever had a "chemical" first aid kit. I would like to put together a herbal one to take.

Would you be able to help me here? Perhaps you have a list or a direct link to something on your site?

I would really appreciate any help you can give.

A:  It is wonderful to hear how you enjoy Susun's work.  We will be sure to share your words with her.  Susun teaches a class every year about making your own herbal first aid kit.  I took this many years back and found it wonderful.  I cannot remember all that she taught to be in her kit, but I am happy to share what is in mine, which is likely very similar.  I do not know of a specific article she wrote on this, though I believe she is or has written on this in her regular SageWoman articles.  Do let me know if I can help.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

Q:  Hi

Thanks for writing back.  I would love to know what you put in your kit.  Do you also have labels for their use in different situations?  I will also research on the web.

Look forward to hearing from you.

A:  My herbal first aid kit that I take with me when I travel has:

Tinctures of...
~Echinacea Root
~Dandelion Root
~Yarrow flowering tops (kept in a spray bottle to use in throat or topically as well as internally)
~Hypericum flowering tops
~Poke root
~Osha root
~Skullcap flowering tops
~Wormwood flowering tops

Oil of...
~Comfrey root or Calendula flower
~Hypericum flowering tops

I used to keep a paper with suggested uses of each and amount to use but now know it well enough.  I still practice a trick I learned from Susun - only fill bottles half full of the tinctures that are used in tiny amounts - Poke, Osha, Wormwood.

Lots of love,

Karen Joy

 

Student from Holland

Dear Susan,

I live in Holland. I am very drawn to attenting the correspondance course ABC of Herbalism. It is awaking a part of me that i want to wake up and let it take me on the journey to change me en explore myself. It resonates deeply in me and i gues i will see where this journey will bring me. I am excited.

My question is, is it possible to start on any moment in time with this course?

The other question is, is it a problem that a non american residance attends the course?

Please let me know, I will let you know than as soon as possible what my decision will be. I wish you a great day

Hello, thank you for writing with interest in Susun's ABC of Herbalism correspondence course. She has students from all around the world, so you would be absolutely welcome. That it is a course of study done from your home makes it wonderful for those abroad. All her students come with different level of learning and areas of interest. The courses are definitely designed to accomodate this. Please let me know if I can answer anything further for you as you decide :)

Blessings,

Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Hello Karen, thank you so much for answering my mail. I would like to receive information about registration or a registration form for the course ABC of herbalism.  I did try it through the website but I got stock and wasn't able to find the registration form for the course. and how I can make payments. Is credit card payment possible? I see only the check part, but that isn't working from Europe I guess, please let me know.

The other question is, do I send in my assignment during this course abc of herbalism? How does it practical work.

Those are my last questions before the final step of registration. Sorry. Its a big step and commitment next to my job so I want to make it a good decision.  But you really made me very enthusiastic.  Thank you again.

best wishes and greetings

Yes, it is understandable to want to ask questions to be absolutely sure. Ask all you want, and don't worry about it :) Here is the link to register online.

You can use a credit card yes. Or you can register through mail with an international money order - just send your contact info and course desires to Susun Weed at PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498. Your correspondence with Susun will be through postal mail and the telephone.

You have the option of choosing what you wish to share with Susun of your lessons and when. I would take the most dominant of them for me and share during our phone conversations and occasional letters to her, to let her know how things were going. During our phone talk time I could also ask the questions that came up during lessons.

Karen Joy

Oh sorry, 1 other question, wich books are recommended to order to use allong with this course, so i can do that at once and safe myself shipping costs. thanks.

All shipping costs are included in the cost of the course. When you register, Susun will send a welcome packet which will include your lessons, and the book list to choose from. Though some books come with the course automatically, she may wait until she receives your book (and tape or audio) selections from the list (through postal mail) to send them all at once to save HER shipping costs :)

Is this what you are asking? If you are inquiring if you should purchase more books in addition to what comes with the course, I would say you will have plenty to keep you busy for a while!!!

Karen Joy

again write all you want, that is what I am here for :) :)